The ICC has confirmed the Technical Committee of the ICC World Twenty20 2007 has approved Dimitri Mascarenhas as a replacement player for Ryan Sidebottom in Englandís squad for the tournament, which runs from 11 to 24 September in South Africa.

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The confirmation was conveyed to the England and Wales Cricket Board in an email sent on behalf of the tournament Technical Committee today (Saturday).

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Mascarenhas replaces Sidebottom after medical reports were received indicating that Sidebottom had sustained a side injury and would not be fit in time to take part in the event.

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Mascarenhas, the 29-year-old all-rounder, is the fifth replacement player to be called up for the tournament so far after James Anderson was approved to replace Ravi Bopara in the England squad, Andre Nel was approved to replace Loots Bosman for South Africa, Dilruwan Perera was approved to replace Muttiah Muralidaran in the Sri Lanka squad and Ben Hilfenhaus was approved to replace Shaun Tait in the Australia squad.

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The process required for approving any player involves that playerís home board making an application in writing to the tournament Technical Committee for permission.

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In this case the application was supported by a statement from ECBís chief medical officer confirming Sidebottomís injury and certifying that the player was not fit for the event.